Runaway to Ronda

I just can’t get enough of Spain, it’s such a beautiful country rich in culture and of very energetic people. Those and it’s the closest I can get to utilising my short-lived visa at that time (one-month, thanks to a work-related engagement lol).

Taking the Renfe train from Algeciras in the morning, we were able to start our day-trip to Ronda. I’ve always wanted to ride a train through Europe thinking that the trip would be like the one Harry Potter took to Hogwarts sans the Death Eaters of course. It wasn’t Harry Potter-ish but was beautiful nonetheless passing by hills and lots of green. After an hour and a half it wouldn’t take you long to arrive at the Alameda del Tajo giving you the perfect panoramic view:

why I LOVE SPAIN

and they do too

Walking around the province is the most ideal way to explore what Ronda has to offer, even if you’ll just stay there for a day don’t think you’ll lose time.

there was a marathon when we arrived

Not too far from the alameda is one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, or in Spanish, Plaza de Toros. Bullfighting is part of Spanish Andalucian culture though there is much debate today with its barbaric spectacle which only the matadors and fanatics understand. Nevertheless, its architectural beauty veils what bloodshed has long since occurred under el sol Espanol.

Ronda through the eyes of a wanderer

But my favourite spot and part of this trip is how you can relax under the kind shade of trees and in the soft grass in Plaza de Blas Infante. Nothing like a short break while listening to the soundtrack of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty to prepare you for more wonders like these:

what are you waiting for? vamonos!

But wait, there’s more! What Ronda is famous for is its Puenta Nuevo, ‘symbol and soul’ of the province.

Despite the ‘nuevo’ in its name which means ‘new’ in english, it was finished during the 17th century so yeah, not so new. It was because this is the second (and thankfully last) bridge built, the first one causing more or less 50 people to die because it collapsed.

If you’re in for a quick trek you can go down and under the bridge to get a different perspective. It was a bit hot during that time and the way isn’t too shorts-and-light-shirt-friendly but hey, every warning makes you want to do it even more!

to go or not to go, GO! there is no question

But really, no matter where you look at it, Ronda will never cease to amaze me. Spain for that matter.

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5 Comments

That view of the spanish countryside is stunning! Spain can be very underrated when it comes to the towns I think, it’s such a shame here in England it’s characterised as a cheap package holiday destination. Hope to get out there one day

Back in the Philippines anywhere outside our country ain’t cheap! I’m only discovering the beauty of Spain as well but I agree that it’s underrated. When you do don’t forget to try their tapas and order for hamon iberico with gaucha

I came from Gibraltar. It’s a 30-min bus ride to Algeciras then we took the train from there and it was a 1.5hr trip. I think from Madrid it would be 6-7 hours. The view here is lovely, we only toured for a day but there should be lots more to see like caves and other bridges and structures we didn’t get to visit.